{"product_id":"australian-sea-apple","title":"Australian Sea Apple","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"725\" data-end=\"1104\"\u003eThe Australian Sea Apple (commonly \u003cem data-start=\"760\" data-end=\"778\"\u003ePseudocolochirus\u003c\/em\u003e species) is a filter-feeding sea cucumber found in Indo-Pacific reef environments, typically anchored in areas with steady water movement. Unlike cleanup crew scavengers, sea apples rely entirely on suspended food in the water column, using their feather-like feeding tentacles to capture phytoplankton and organic particles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1106\" data-end=\"1343\"\u003eThey are stationary for most of their lives, attaching to rockwork where they can extend their feeding arms into consistent flow. Their bright coloration serves as a warning in the wild, as they can release toxins when severely stressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1evwddo\" data-start=\"1345\" data-end=\"1365\"\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1367\" data-end=\"1553\"\u003eCare Level: Advanced – Requires stable parameters and consistent feeding\u003cbr data-start=\"1439\" data-end=\"1442\"\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 50+ gallons\u003cbr data-start=\"1472\" data-end=\"1475\"\u003eAquarium Setup: Established reef tank with moderate to strong, indirect flow\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1555\" data-end=\"1746\"\u003eAustralian Sea Apples need a mature system with a constant supply of suspended nutrients. They should be placed in an area where flow brings food directly to them without blasting their body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"e57uqf\" data-start=\"1748\" data-end=\"1767\"\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Nutrition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1769\" data-end=\"1885\"\u003eAustralian Sea Apples are obligate filter feeders and depend entirely on fine particulate foods in the water column.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1887\" data-end=\"1974\"\u003eDiet: Filter Feeder – Requires constant access to suspended food\u003cbr data-start=\"1951\" data-end=\"1954\"\u003eRecommended Foods:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1975\" data-end=\"2118\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"li84q6\" data-start=\"1975\" data-end=\"2028\"\u003eLive phytoplankton (preferred and most effective)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"fal6cy\" data-start=\"2029\" data-end=\"2065\"\u003eRotifers and other microplankton\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1m2ltmh\" data-start=\"2066\" data-end=\"2118\"\u003ePowdered coral foods and fine particulate blends\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2120\" data-end=\"2260\"\u003eTarget feeding or broadcast feeding multiple times per week is often necessary. Tanks that are too “clean” can lead to starvation over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1bvigoq\" data-start=\"2262\" data-end=\"2287\"\u003eLifespan \u0026amp; Growth Rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2289\" data-end=\"2350\"\u003eLifespan: 5–10 years (with proper care)\u003cbr data-start=\"2328\" data-end=\"2331\"\u003eGrowth Rate: Slow\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2352\" data-end=\"2512\"\u003eGiven stable conditions and consistent feeding, they can live for several years, though long-term success in captivity is less common due to feeding challenges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1mnxhmt\" data-start=\"2514\" data-end=\"2544\"\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2546\" data-end=\"2633\"\u003eTemperament: Peaceful – Non-aggressive and stationary\u003cbr data-start=\"2599\" data-end=\"2602\"\u003eReef Safe? Yes (with caution)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2635\" data-end=\"2788\"\u003eThey do not bother corals or fish. However, they should not be kept with fish or invertebrates that may nip at them, as stress can lead to toxin release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1o7oc57\" data-start=\"2790\" data-end=\"2827\"\u003eCommon Challenges \u0026amp; Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2829\" data-end=\"2958\"\u003eToxin Release Risk:\u003cbr data-start=\"2848\" data-end=\"2851\"\u003eIf stressed, injured, or dying, sea apples can release toxins that may harm or wipe out tank inhabitants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2960\" data-end=\"3106\"\u003eFeeding Difficulty:\u003cbr data-start=\"2979\" data-end=\"2982\"\u003eRequires consistent availability of suspended foods. Many tanks do not naturally produce enough nutrition to sustain them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3108\" data-end=\"3236\"\u003eFlow Placement:\u003cbr data-start=\"3123\" data-end=\"3126\"\u003eToo little flow leads to starvation, while too much direct flow can cause them to detach or become stressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3238\" data-end=\"3331\"\u003eIntake Hazards:\u003cbr data-start=\"3253\" data-end=\"3256\"\u003eCan be injured by powerheads or overflows. Use guards on pumps and intakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"52w0mo\" data-start=\"3333\" data-end=\"3352\"\u003eWater Conditions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3354\" data-end=\"3446\"\u003eTemperature: 75–77°F\u003cbr data-start=\"3374\" data-end=\"3377\"\u003edKH (Alkalinity): 8–9\u003cbr data-start=\"3398\" data-end=\"3401\"\u003epH: 8.1–8.3\u003cbr data-start=\"3412\" data-end=\"3415\"\u003eSpecific Gravity: 1.024–1.026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3448\" data-end=\"3550\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eStable, well-oxygenated water with consistent nutrient availability is critical for long-term success.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TSA Inverts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51021046677802,"sku":"CUCUMBERxApple","price":199.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/tsa-inverts-australian-sea-apple-1228506372.png?v=1774200492","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/australian-sea-apple","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}